I took an Old Testament course a few years ago which taught me to look at the words of Genesis more allegorically, or poetically. So when I read that God planted a garden eastward in Eden, I think the author symbolically places God in the west. Cain chooses to dwell east of Eden, which would be as far from God as possible.
Later, when the Tabernacle is constructed, the orientation is east to west, with the Holy of Holies taking the far west position. East to west, this is the direction the high priest would take to commune with God.
East and west, this is the orientation of my house. In the different seasons I know when the sun will light up my kitchen in the morning, and I know when to look out my western windows for the sunset.
East to west, I follow the sun each day.
East to west, disciples try to follow the Son each day.
Every day is a chance to begin again. Every day is a chance to pray and study and do something kind. I want to follow, east to west, because west is home.